It’s National Bike Month – a month to celebrate cycling and more importantly, why we ride! In celebration, 24 Hours of Booty will be having a contest this week where we will be giving away a 2015 Pinarello Trionfo and a Pinarello cycling kit from our friends at Pinarello USA. The contest runs from Monday, May 4 – Friday, May 8. First place will win

How can you make sure one of these awesome prizes are yours?

Entry is simple, there are three ways to win:

Register to ride! You register to join us this summer, plus, you get an entry to win the bike or cycling kit —it’s a win/win!

Already registered? Invite others to join you!Spread the word about 24 Hours of Booty and invite others to join you on the Booty Loop.

2. Raise $100 (or more!). Kick start your fundraising and earn another entry for every $100 you raise. The more you raise, the more chances to win! Check out some of our fundraising suggestions here.

3. Share this image. Increase your chances of winning by sharing this image on social media. Be sure to tag 24 Hours of Booty in your post & you’ll earn another contest entry!

The winners will be randomly drawn and announced Friday, May 8 at 5:00 p.m.

Good Luck!

The Fine Print:

Eligibility: This contest is open to all participants registered for the 24 Hours of Booty 2015. 24 Hours of Booty employees, board members and their families are not eligible.

Agreement to rules: Participation in the contest constitutes full and unconditional agreement to the decisions of 24 Hours of Booty, which are final. All prizes are contingent on availability of apparel sizes and are not transferable. 24 Hours of Booty reserves the right to substitute prizes as needed.

Period. The contest begins May 4th, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. and will end at 5:00 p.m. on May 8th, 2015.

Entry: Entries will be based on the above criteria. You must be registered to qualify for prizes.

Selection: 24 Hours of Booty will award one 2015 Pinarello Trionfo bike and one Pinarello cycling kit. Winners will be selected randomly from the qualifying pool.

Release of Liability: By participating in this contest, you agree to releases and hold harmless 24 Hours of Booty, Giordana, Gita, Pinarello and their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, sponsors from any claim arising from your participation in this contest or use of the prize (including any travel or activity related thereto).

Tax Implications: All participants who receive more than $600 in incentives must fill out a 1099-MISC as per the IRS. This may result in taxable income for you and you should consult a tax professional with questions.

24 Hours of Booty got a makeover! We are proud to announce the launch of our newly redesigned website. It was crafted with YOU in mind by a team of fellow 24 Hours of Booty riders! SFW is a North Carolina based marketing agency that also participates annually in the Charlotte 24 Hours of Booty event.

They love the event, are committed to raising money for the cancer community and wanted to use their expertise to deliver a website that was clean, organized and easy to navigate!

Here are the things we think you’ll love about the new website:

Mobile Friendly – Get the latest and greatest 24 Hours of Booty information on the go wherever you are with your cell phone or tablet. The new website is optimized for your hand held devices.

Easy Navigation – The days of taking time to search for where to register, donate or volunteer are over! The homepage now offers Get Involved buttons for any action you would want to take on the website and gets you to where you want to go in just one simple click!

Refreshed Participant Center – Your personal and team fundraising pages got a new look too! Show off your updated, stylish pages to your friends & family to let them know you’re riding in 24 Hours of Booty!

“As 24 Hours of Booty riders, we are big fans of the event,” said Ged King, CEO at SFW. “Since SFW is all about helping brands win, we wanted to do everything possible to bring success to the 24 Hours of Booty event. We could see there was a great opportunity to better convey the fun and importance of the event via the organization’s website and were thrilled to be charged with redesigning the site to make it more user friendly and easier to navigate.”

Watch for the SFW team on the Loop this summer and be sure to tell them thanks for their incredible work!

*Important change to note in the new redesign of the website: If you have shared your personal webpage with friends and family, be sure to update that link to www.events.24hoursofbooty.org/goto/YourName. Emails you send through Convio will automatically be updated.

Stand out on the Booty Loop this summer with a set of 10 custom jerseys from our friends at Giordana!

Starting Wednesday, April 15, you’ll receive (1) contest entry for every (3) riders that registers for your team through Tuesday, April 21 at 3:00 pm! One team from each city will be chosen to win one set of 10 custom jerseys. The winner will be chosen at random and announced on Wednesday, April 22 at 5 p.m. The more riders you have join your team this week, the higher your chances are to win!

The jerseys will be produced through the Giordana Custom Now program, right here in the USA! The more riders you have join your team this week, the higher your chances to win.

Click here to read more about Giordana’s 24 Hours of Booty team and how their jerseys tell their own team’s story.

The Fine Print:

Eligibility: This contest is open to all participants registered for the 24 Hours of Booty 2015. 24 Hours of Booty employees, board members and their families are not eligible.

Agreement to rules: Participation in the contest constitutes full and unconditional agreement to the decisions of 24 Hours of Booty, which are final. All prizes are contingent on availability of apparel sizes and are not transferable. 24 Hours of Booty reserves the right to substitute prizes as needed.

Period: The contest begins April 15, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. and will end at 3:00 p.m. on April 21, 2015.

Entry: Entries will be based on the above criteria. You must be registered to qualify for prizes.

Selection: 24 Hours of Booty will award up to 10 Giordana jerseys to the qualifying three teams whose names are chosen at random.

Release of Liability: By participating in this contest, you agree to releases and hold harmless 24 Hours of Booty, Giordana, Gita, Pinarello and their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, sponsors from any claim arising from your participation in this contest or use of the prize (including any travel or activity related thereto).

Tax Implications: All participants who receive more than $600 in incentives must fill out a 1099-MISC as per the IRS. This may result in taxable income for you and you should consult a tax professional with questions.

“24 Hours of Booty isn’t just for cyclists; it’s for anyone who wants to throw punches back at cancer for affecting them or someone they love,” said Josh Jones, 24 Hours of Booty Charlotte rider and top fundraiser.

Jones originally began to ride in honor of his friend Jonathan Tisdale who passed away from a brain tumor at the age of 38. He was somewhat new to road biking, but wanted to honor the memory of the friend he knew for 18 years who loved to ride.

Two years later Jones was faced with another reason to throw punches back at cancer when his two-year-old daughter Libby was diagnosed with Leukemia. For 14 months they fought hard, but ultimately the Leukemia was too much and Libby passed away on May 8th, 2014.

“I ride in hopes that my efforts one day will mean that no parent will ever have to walk a day in our shoes and hear the words we heard about our first born” Jones said.

For Jones, 24 Hours of Booty is more than just the event. The organization has impacted his life because the cause is real and the 24 Hours of Booty community believes in what they are doing everyday, not just when it’s time to put on the event.

“When Libby was sick, 24 Hours of Booty sent handmade cards, stickers, t-shirts and emails all the time just to let us know we had their support no matter what,” said Jones.

Last year was Jones’ first year at the actual start of the ride and he says he will never miss that part of the event again. The start line is full of loud music and screaming spectators that create an infectious energetic atmosphere enhancing the spirit of the event.

Jones shares his story in hopes that others are inspired to experience 24 Hours of Booty too. He highly recommends at least attending as a spectator just to take it in and almost everyone he knows who has taken his advice has been inspired to ride the following year.

This year will be Jones’ fifth year participating in the event. He sets fundraising goals that top the charts finishing 2nd overall as a team in Charlotte and him personally achieving top individual fundraiser last year. He constantly sends out emails, texts and posts on social media to increase funds, as well as works with vendors to receive corporate donations. Also, each member of his team is asked to try and raise at least $1,000 each.

Last year Jones also made it a goal to ride 100 miles as well as to slow down and enjoy the event. He realized his goals could be reached while supporting others on the loop by participating as a rider and a spectator at the same time.

Set your heart on a goal and achieve it at 24 Hours of Booty! Register for one of our three events at www.24hoursofbooty.org!

On Sunday, March 29, 2015, the CBS television network broadcasted a groundbreaking episode of 60 Minutes guiding viewers through a Duke University clinical trial that uses a re-engineered polio virus to kill cancer cells in the brain.

The “Killing Cancer” episode is a two part special outlining a 10-month observation period of an experimental therapy at Duke University that tests the body’s immune system by dripping a rendering of the polio virus into glioblastoma patients.

According to the American Brain Tumor Association, Glioblastoma (GBM) is a “tumor that arise from astrocytes—the star-shaped cells that make up the “glue-like,” or supportive tissue of the brain. These tumors are usually highly malignant (cancerous) because the cells reproduce quickly and they are supported by a large network of blood vessels.”

Why did Dr. Matthias Gromeier’s choose polio? He says, “As luck would have it, it seeks out and attaches to a receptor that is found on the surface of the cells that make up nearly every kind of solid tumor. It’s almost as if polio had evolved for the purpose.”

The episode follows two glioblastoma patients in particular, 20-year old Stephanie Lipscomb whose tumor was completely wiped out 3 years ago and 58-year-old Nancy Justice whose tumor is still shrinking daily. Lipscomb’s tennis ball sized tumor was completely gone after 21 months. The tumor became inflamed at first, and then began shrinking due to the immune system removing the tumors protective shield and going to war with the cancer. Justice was given a smaller dose of the polio virus and so far the tumor has continued to shrink leaving a huge hole in the center of her tumor. This is a result of the tumor being demolished from the inside out.

Since this is phase one of the trial, not all of the patients have had successful outcomes like Lipscomb and Justice. The story also follows patient Donna Clegg who was injected with a three times more potent dose than the dose that worked for Lipscomb. Due to the harsh side effects of the increased dose Clegg quit the trial, therefore leaving doctors to theorize the cause of her death is because of how strong her immune system reacted. Unfortunately this is the goal of the trial, to alter the dose in succeeding patients to find the best result.

In regard to unsuccessful trials, such as Clegg’s, Dr. Henry Friedman says, “Every patient who has an outcome that is not positive weighs on my mind. I think that when you’re doing a Phase 1 study, you know that these things can happen. And I don’t think that we helped her quality of life. We’ve learned something. And I don’t know that the family will take heart in the fact that they’re part of a legacy of passing the torch to more patients that follow. I hope that that means something to them.”

Twenty-two patients so far have participated in the polio trial. Eleven died, most of whom had higher doses and eleven continue to improve. Four patients have surpassed the six months mark, which Duke refers to as “remission.”

Groundbreaking trials such as the Duke University polio trial are made possible through donors like you. Supporting 24 Hours of Booty means your funds go to The Brain Tumor Fund for the Carolinas (BTFC), not-for-profit organization “dedicated to increasing public awareness of the impact of brain tumors and to providing support for the development of treatment strategies and cooperative biomedical research related to brain tumors in the Charlotte region.”

The difference between the success and failure of an event is a great team. 24 Hours of Booty is fortunate to have the Booty Crew as a backbone of all our events. Susan Treusdell is a true testament to these ideals. Treusdell heard about 24 Hours of Booty through the Ulman Cancer Fund events and the LIVESTRONG Challenge. Being involved since the event began in Columbia in 2008, Treusdell began as a volunteer and then transitioned to a Booty Crew member.

Susan is a 20-year thyroid cancer survivor and knows many others who are fighting battles with cancer, as well. She describes the Booty Crew as ambassadors for 24 Hours of Booty who promote the event, recruit riders and volunteer on the Booty Loop. Her responsibilities include getting the bike shops to participate and help spread the word to their customers. Her goals as a Booty Crew member this year is to encourage people to participate and enjoy the event.

Treusdell says there are countless memorable moments during the race. There was two moments, which stood out most for her. One year in Columbia, a rider rode one loop for each of the firefighters who lost their lives on 9/11. At the finish line he rode water arch made by local firefighters. The second moment occurred when a rabbi led a non-denominational prayer service one morning that left a peaceful sprit among riders.

“Every year has its moments…the notes on people’s bibs, the speakers and conversations with fellow riders,” says Treusdell.

24 Hours of Booty has turned Treusdell into a true cyclist. While Treusdell has found a passion for cycling, she wants new riders to know you don’t have to be a professional to ride on the loop. She advises new riders to just enjoy the ride and feel good about raising money for a good cause.

“I’m proud that 24 Hours of Booty raises funds for the [Ulman Cancer Fund] and the [LIVESTRONG Foundation] so they can continue their great work,” Treusdell said.

Susan K. Williams is an inspiring two-time cancer survivor with the determination to encourage others who continue their battle with this disease. In 1996, Williams was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer, nine years later she was diagnosed with uterine cancer. Today she is cancer free and eager to fight for other family members and friends who haven’t survived their cancer journeys.

Williams and her husband ride with Team Spokes of Hope led by captain Cindi Hart of Indianapolis, Indiana. Williams discovered the team through Cyclists Combating Cancer (CCC) and the LIVESTRONG Foundation. She describes the team culture as a caring group of diverse riders that include cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, friends and regular people who have a desire to help. Williams has participated in 24 Hours of Booty Indianapolis for four years with her husband, daughter and son-in-law by her side.

As for fundraising, Susan reaches out to her small network and makes the donation process seamless for them by sending a fundraising letter with a copy of a donation form including a link to her personal page in participant center and a self addressed envelope. Williams suggests sending a fundraising letter to every contact in your address book to ramp up your fundraising and reach your goal. She also suggests that first time riders ride as many miles as they want to or are able to. Personally, her goal is to surpass her record of 174 miles and reach 200 miles this year out on the Booty Loop. Most importantly, Williams says first time riders should enjoy the fellowship with other cyclists, neighborhood residents and event watchers.

“Talk about why you ride,” Williams said. “Remember those that weren’t able to finish their cancer journey, celebrate survivors and support those traveling down the cancer road.”

Through the 24 Hours of Booty event, Williams has met various Spokes of Hope members from other parts of the U.S. and visited with other cyclists while riding in other events, which has caused her to push herself on her own bike.

Exciting games, last-second buzzer shots, ESPN 24/7 and college pride…that’s right, it’s March Madness! In the spirit of the season, we’re hosting a challenge between cities in Booty Madness, and your city can win!

From Monday, March 16 to Friday, March 20, Charlotte, Indianapolis and Columbia will each compete for an additional $2,500 grant to their local beneficiary! Indianapolis was the winner last year — who will take the prize this year?

Riders can gain points for their city by following the tasks listed below. The total number of points for each city will be divided by the number of registered riders in order to keep the scoring fair.

Free Throw: 1 point for every dollar raised between March 16th-20th at midnight!

Slam Dunk: 2 points for each daily task that will be emailed to you!

Three Point Shot: 3 points for every rider who registers during the contest dates!

Half Court Shot: 4 points for every new team that registers during the contest dates!

We’ll also be offering a registration discount in all three cities. Give your friends and family a head’s up! Start by registering here to earn points!

For the past six years I have had the honor and privilege of leading a community that is making incredible strides on behalf of the cancer community. We often refer to the 24 Hours of Booty family, because that’s what it feels like – a close-knit community that rallies around each other and the community year after year, raising millions of dollars to impact thousands of cancer survivors.

It is with deep gratitude that I share with you, my 24 Hours of Booty family, that I have accepted a position to become CEO of The Ability Experience. I have been involved with this organization since college and spent the first nine years of my career serving its mission. It is an organization that has impacted me deeply and I look forward to impacting other college students in the same way, while having more time in Charlotte with my family.

I am excited about the future of 24 Hours of Booty because of your commitment and passion. Our riders, sponsors and volunteers – the 24 Hours of Booty family – continue to raise the bar each and every year. I know it isn’t easy to balance everything with family, work and all the other commitments life brings, but you do, and this is what truly makes 24 Hours of Booty great.

While leaving is bittersweet, I know the best is yet to come for 24 Hours of Booty. We have a board focused on the strategic direction of the organization. The staff is easily the most dedicated group of people I have worked with during my career. The passion they have for the mission and success of the organization is unparalleled.

I am so thankful for the opportunities I was given at 24 Hours of Booty. I have been so deeply impacted by the friendships I made, the survivors I met and by the passion all of you bring to this community. While my last day with 24 Hours of Booty will be Wednesday, March 18, I will continue to do whatever I can to fight this terrible disease. I look forward to riding alongside you this summer!

Join us for an Online Information Session to get the inside scoop on all things 24 Hours of Booty for 2015. We have the sessions planned over multiple days and times so one is sure to fit your schedule!

These sessions are for current, past and potential riders to get the inside scoop about what to expect at the event. Get fundraising and team recruitment tips, what to expect at the event, and where your money is going in the fight against cancer. This is a great way to interact with staff and fellow riders, and ask questions! Click on the date to RSVP and be sure to check back to our Facebook for dial-in information.